When to plant Calendula in Pacifica, CA
Plant Calendula in Pacifica after January 18; the prime window is November 9–November 30. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Pacifica, CA
Your July gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to San Mateo County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a cheerful, edible-flowered cool-season annual valued by herbalists, chefs, and gardeners alike. Its golden-orange petals are used in salves, teas, and as a saffron substitute. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts, it blooms prolifically in spring and fall, taking a pause during the hottest weeks of summer.
Pacifica, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and the first fall frost is December 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.
At an elevation of 277 feet, San Mateo County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calendula to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Calendula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pacifica Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pacifica
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Mateo County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Calendula.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 14 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
Calendula Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Calendula
Calendula needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calendula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in San Mateo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Pacifica, CA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | December 7 | Dec 7 – Dec 21 |
| Direct Sow | November 9 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Bloom | January 18 | Jan 18 – Apr 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | Direct Sow |
| December | Transplant Outdoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
328 days in San Mateo County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Pacifica
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after January 18 in San Mateo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Calendula in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
San Mateo County receives only 17" of rain annually. Calendula needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — seeds germinate in cool soil (50-65°F). In zones 7+, also sow in fall for winter/spring bloom. Deadhead consistently to extend bloom. Plants self-seed readily; save a few spent heads and allow them to drop. Harvest petals when flowers are fully open for best flavor and medicinal value.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Calendula in Other Locations
When should I plant Calendula in Pacifica, CA?
In Pacifica, CA, plant Calendula after the last frost (around January 18) and before the first frost (around December 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pacifica, CA for Calendula?
Pacifica sits in USDA Zone 10a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Pacifica's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Pacifica's temperate climate. Pacifica averages a 329-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 18 and first frost around December 12.
Your San Mateo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for San Mateo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.